Akatsuki Translations

“I wonder if he didn’t like the photo I sent him. They say clingy women are disliked in Japan,” I said, my voice tinged with worry.

“If he dislikes you for that, then he’s already disliked for still being hung up on Misuzu even though she was chosen and staying in the dungeon,” Rai stated bluntly. I didn’t dislike his straightforwardness, but his words hit too close to home and hurt quite a bit.

“D-don’t say things like that. I’m surprised by my own actions too, you know,” I stammered.

“Yuuta likes you, Master. No doubt about it,” Lean chimed in with her childlike innocence, somehow making her words more convincing.

“R-really? You think so too? I have a feeling that might be the case,” I replied, finding courage in her assertion.

“Anyway, since he contacted you once, why don’t you eat something?” Rai suggested.

“Starving, bad for body,” Lean added.

“But my appetite…” I trailed off.

“If you look haggard, Yuuta will worry,” Lean pointed out.

“You think so… Alright, just a little then,” I conceded, Yuuta’s message giving me a bit of courage. My appetite returned, and I asked David and the others to prepare breakfast. They brought me ham and eggs with toast. I hadn’t realized how hungry I was until I started eating, the food disappearing quickly.

“Evie, want to order more?” David asked.

“David, thank you. But I’m good. I made you all worry, didn’t I?” I said, expressing my gratitude to David and Mark, who had brought the food.

“Nah, it’s our job. And we’re glad to see you feeling better,” David reassured me.

“Thought something was wrong with all that screaming,” Mark shrugged, looking sleep-deprived with dark circles under his eyes and stifling a yawn. I wondered if I should let him sleep soon, but I was still waiting for Yuuta’s message.

Suddenly, my phone vibrated. Thinking it was a message, I hurriedly grabbed it. It was from Yuuta. He had sent a photo along with a message, and what I saw made my eyes widen in surprise.

[I’m in America. Where does Evie live?]

There were two photos – one of Yuuta and another of a building. Both looked familiar. There was no mistake. It was New York, a city that had recently started recovering after finally reaching a reconciliation with the Bow God.

Not only had New York suffered from monster damage due to the dungeon collapse, but the people had also fought among themselves, making it the most devastated area. Although the seeds of conflict still smoldered, the photos showed that it was more settled than before.

Assuming Yuuta was no longer with Misuzu, I called him. However, no matter how many times I let it ring, he didn’t answer. Having no choice, I sent him a message.

[Why are you in New York?]

That’s all I sent, but there was no reply. I grew restless.

“Master, did Yuuta say anything?” Rai asked.

“It seems Yuuta is in New York,” I replied.

“What?”

“Isn’t he supposed to be in Japan?”

“That’s what I thought, but this is definitely New York, right?” I showed the photos to David and the others.

“Yeah, no doubt about it,” David confirmed, pointing out the tilted Statue of Liberty in the background.

“So he really is in New York?” I asked, still in disbelief.

“Seems that way…” David nodded.

“I got it!” Mark suddenly exclaimed.

“Got what?” I inquired.

“It’s a grand gesture. Yuuta went all the way to New York to welcome his princess after leaving the dungeon and to embrace the most amazing woman, Evie,” Mark explained with enthusiasm.

I hadn’t told them that Yuuta only kissed me, knowing that these two American men would probably tilt their heads in confusion if I mentioned it.

“R-really? But I’m from Colorado. And I live in Woody Creek, so being here doesn’t make sense…” I trailed off.

“Don’t sweat the details. Yuuta thought of the best place to embrace you and went to New York for your sake. For Japanese people, when they think of America, they think of New York. He must have thought that. He’s done this much for you. If you say something so cold, Yuuta might cry,” Mark insisted.

“I-I see. For my sake… That’s plausible,” I pondered, realizing later that I should have been more level-headed at this moment. Yuuta, who had left me in the car to go on an overnight date with Misuzu, was now in New York, a place he couldn’t have possibly reached without abandoning Misuzu. It made no sense.

I later learned a Japanese phrase called “lovestruck brain” that described my state of mind.

“Master, doesn’t something feel off? Would Yuuta really go that far for you?” Rai questioned.

“Huh?”

“Yuuta likes Misuzu more than you, right? So why would he prioritize you?”

“Hmmm?”

“I mean, if he’s in America right now, that means he abandoned his beloved Misuzu,” Rai pointed out.

“Hehe, interesting point. By the way, you seemed pretty close with Yuuta inside the dungeon. You looked so happy riding on his back. I guess this means I won’t allow that anymore, right? Rai? Hey Rai, who did you say Yuuta likes more than me?” I asked, feeling somewhat irritated.

“Ah, well…” Rai stammered.

“Telling truth. Not good. Dreaming. Happiness,” Lean interjected.

“Sorry,” Rai apologized.

He must have done this for my sake. Was there any reason to deny it? Absolutely not. I inadvertently glared at Rai, feeling quite annoyed. Lean’s comment also felt a bit rude, but my heart had already flown to New York.